Blake Lively has an important message for new mums and their daughters

It’s hard to imagine Blake Lively ever feels anything but perfect, but the sunny 29-year-old has revealed that she, like any woman, has been challenged by body insecurities – but it’s something she’s learnt to deal with.

In New York to celebrate Galentine’s Day with her mother and older sister, Blake told US Vogue, “The past few months, I’ve learned to love my body in every iteration.”

“And it’s a challenge. It’s something that I have to remind myself of every single time I put on an outfit that doesn’t fit like it used to – or doesn’t fit at all!”

Blake has two daughters: Ines, who arrived just over four months ago, and two-year-old James. “You have to learn to forgive yourself – to say, ‘I’m working, I’m a dedicated mother. I’m a good friend. I’m a great wife,” she shares. “Try not to beat yourself up about it.”

And while we’re used to seeing Blake all glammed up for the red carpet, she wants her daughters to know that that’s all smoke and mirrors.

“For me, it’s important for my daughters to know that it’s not real life,” she told Refinery29. “They’re seeing me dressed up in all this hair and make-up, but they also see me without that. I want them to see both sides, because there never is just one side.”